There are two types of packers in the world. There’s the minimalist, who risks being caught unprepared. And then there’s the overpacker, who is burdened by the weight of a hundred “just-in-case” scenarios. The overpacker’s motto is “better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it.” While this […]

Every product you use, from your smartphone to your coffee mug, began as a simple idea. A great backpack is no different. It doesn’t just appear fully formed on a factory line. It’s the end result of a long, thoughtful, and often challenging journey of design, testing, and refinement. Understanding this life cycle can give […]

We tend to think of a backpack’s comfort as coming from its softest parts—the plush padding on the straps and the cushioned back panel. While these elements are crucial, there is an unseen architectural element that is just as important: the bag’s internal structure. The “scaffolding” of a backpack—its inherent rigidity and ability to hold […]

Every day is a series of transitions. We transition from home to our commute, from our commute to the office, from our desk to a meeting, and back again. Each of these transitions requires us to pack or unpack our belongings. A poorly designed backpack imposes a “transition tax” on every single one of these […]

We often associate backpacks with epic international travel or grueling daily commutes. But a true test of a backpack’s versatility and user-friendliness is how it performs on a simple “day trip”—a local adventure to a nearby town, a state park, or a different neighborhood in your own city. On these excursions, you need a bag […]

When we shop for a backpack, we are often presented with a long list of features: “15-inch padded laptop sleeve,” “25-liter capacity,” “water-resistant polyester,” “YKK zippers.” This technical jargon is important, as it speaks to the quality and capability of the bag. But a great backpack is more than the sum of its parts. The […]

We’ve all witnessed it, and we’ve all been a part of it. It’s the end of a meeting, a class, or a coffee shop work session. People start to pack up, and “The Clumsy Goodbye” begins. It’s the awkward fumbling as someone tries to stuff a notebook into a bag that’s too full, the frantic […]